P3 Cheetah: Kendaraan Aksi Khusus Kopaska TNI AL

Mengikuti jejak Kopassus (Komando Pasukan Khusus) TNI AD, yang lebih dulu mengadopsi jeep tempur Flyer 4×4 sejak tahun 90-an. Satuan elit di lingkungan TNI AL dan TNI AU pun ikut melirik menggunakan jenis jeep yang serupa, yakni rantis four wheel drive yang mampu melahap medan berat. Beda dengan jeep militer kebanyakan, jenis jeep tempur yang dimaksud justru menghilangkan elemen perlindungan lapis baja bagi awaknya, karena memang mengedepankan pada misi serbuan cepat dalam pertempuran jarak dekat (CQB).

Dari sekian deret nama rantis yang sejajar dengan Flyer Kopassus, ada sosok P3 Cheetah hasil produksi PT. Sentra Surya Ekajaya (SSE). Dari beberapa varian, salah satunya digunakan oleh satuan elit TNI AL, Kopaska (Komando Pasukan Katak) untuk aksi khusus, oleh karena itu kendaraan ini akrab juga disebut sebagai Ransus. Bagi Anda sekalian pemerhati militer di Tanah Air, rasanya tak sulit untuk mengenali kendaraan off road ini, pasalnya Cheetah sering tampil di layar TV, seperti saat operasi pengamanan di Lanudal Juanda, Surabaya dan area dermaga.

Tentu kebisaan rantis ini tak sebatas untuk patroli. Dengan desain yang sangar, Cheetah punya spesifikasi sebagai kendaraan penyerbu ringan yang punya mobilitas tinggi. Karena spesifikasinya yang khusus, maka yang mengoperasikan hanya pasukan elit. Secara umum, Cheetah di desain untuk 3 pasukan, namun dalam operasi serbu, rantis ini dapat mengangkut hingga 10 pasukan ke titik serbu. Tak hanya untuk urusan serbu menyerbu, kalau kepepet, Cheetah dapat disulap menjadi kendaraan evakuasi di daerah operasi.

Kelengkapan rompi anti peluru menjadi syarat mutlak bagi awak Cheetah. 

Nampak senapan mesin M-60 kaliber 7,62 mm.

Namanya juga kendaraan serbu, meski tiap personel di dalamnya sudah well prepared dengan seabreg senjata, tapi toh harus ada senjata yang terpasang. Nah, untuk keperluan membabat lawan, Cheetah dapat dipasangkan aneka jenis senjata ringan dan sedang. Sebut saja FM MAG dan M-60 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) atau kalau mau cepat menuntaskan musuh, bisa dipasang pelontar granat otomatis AGL-40. Dudukan senjata tersebut dipasang diatas rangka pelindung (roll bar). Bila itu dirasa masih kurang memadai, pada sisi kanan dan kiri tempat duduk bekalang, juga dapat dipasang dudukan senjata kaliber 5,56 mm atau 7,62 mm.

Demi mempertahankan mobilitas tinggi, dan bobot seringan mungkin, maka tidak ada pelindung khusus untuk menghindari terjangan proyektil. Menghadapi situasi tersebut sudah lumrah bila awak rantis sudah menggunakan helm dan kostum rompi anti peluru.




Cheetah memang dirancang sebagai kendaraan ringan dengan bobot 1,5 ton. 

Materialnya menggunakan heavy duty rigid axle & coil spring suspension untuk bergerak lincah dan cepat. Tidak memiliki pintu dan atap mengurangi berat dan mempermudah gerak pasukan dan memiliki sudut pandang, dan ground clearance yang tinggi, mendukung Cheetah untuk melintasi berbagai medan sulit seperti jalan berbatu, gurun, jalan terjal, jalan berlumpur, pasir dan sebagainya.Selain itu kendaraan ini juga mampu melintasi medan super bowl.

Cheetah ditenagai mesin turbo diesel 3.000 cc 145 hp. Rantis ini memiliki power to weight ratio lebih dari 82.5 hp/ton. Mampu melaju dengan kecepatan 140 km/jam, serta melintasi tanjakan 45 derajat dengan kecepatan tinggi dan melintasi sungai sedalam satu meter. Untuk urusan daya jelajah, Cheetah dapat menjangkau hingga 500 km atau 8 jam operasi, dengan kapasitas bahan bakar 70 liter. Sebagai kendaraan dengan kemampuan off road, sisi perlidungan lebih ditekankan pada rangka pelindung yang terbuat dari baja tubular untuk menahan benturan. (Bayu Pamungkas)

Spesifikasi P3 Cheetah
Panjang : 4.025 mm
Lebar : 1.960 mm
Tinggi : 1.900 mm
Wheel base : 2.794 mm
Berat : 1,5 ton
Bodi : alumunium
Mesin : KE – Turbo Diesel, 3000 cc 145 hp
Transmisi : Automatic 3 speed
Kelistrikan : 24 volt DC
Axle depan & belakang : EV – 80
Rem Depan : Disc Brake, EV – 80
Rem Belakang : Disc Brake, EV – 80
Axle Gear Ratio : 6:37
Suspensi : Old Man Emu HD
Shock Breaker : Sky Jackers
Steering System : Powered Steer Velg : Beadlock 16”
Ban ( Non-Run Flat ) : Simex 34 x 11.5 x 16
Kapasitas Tangki BBM : 70 liter

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MiG-31, Pesawat Tempur yang Mendahului Zamannya

Perbatasan udara Rusia dijaga oleh MiG-31, pesawat canggih yang dapat mencegat target apapun dalam berbagai kecepatan, mulai dari rudal jelajah tersembunyi hingga satelit, baik siang maupun malam, dalam cuaca hujan ataupun cerah. Ahli militer mengatakan sistem pesawat ini unik dan tidak akan ada pesawat yang sebanding dengan karakteristik MiG-31 Rusia dalam sepuluh sampai 15 tahun ke depan.

MiG-31 dijuluki “radar terbang” oleh para pilot karena kemampuan avionikanya yang unik. Kredit: ITAR-TASS

Pesawat tempur-pencegat supersonik MiG-31—yang disebut Foxhound oleh NATO—adalah pesawat tempur Soviet pertama generasi keempat. Pada akhir 1960-an, Rusia memiliki alasan internal dan eksternal untuk membuat pesawat ini. Ketika itu, Amerika Serikat menggunakan rudal jelajah strategis dan pesawat pembom FB-111. Pesawat tersebut dapat terbang melintasi Kutub Utara dan mencapai perbatasan Rusia pada ketinggian rendah, mengikuti relief dan menghindari pengawasan satelit Rusia. Selain itu, Rusia kekurangan penghalang radar (radar barrier) untuk wilayah sebelah utara.

MiG, terminator udara karya Mikoyan

Untuk mengatasi kekurangan tersebut dan mendeteksi “tamu” tak diundang, Rusia memutuskan untuk meluncurkan pesawat MiG yang dapat memantau ruang udara di garis depan dan rentang ketinggian tertentu. Pesawat tersebut dibuat oleh Artem Mikoyan Experimental Design Office, yang sekarang menjadi Perusahaan Pesawat Rusia MiG. Setelah MiG beroperasi, pesawat pengintai Amerika mulai lebih jarang berkeliaran di perbatasan Rusia.

Pengalaman “Arktik” MiG-31 dapat sangat berguna bagi formasi utara Tentara Rusia untuk melindungi kepentingan Rusia di kawasan Arktik.

Karakteristik taktis dan teknis MiG-31

• Berat lepas landas maksimum: 46,2 ton
• Kecepatan terbang maksimum: 3.000 km/jam (ketinggian tinggi), 1.500 km/jam (ketinggian rendah)
• Batas ketinggian: 20,6 km
• Muatan tempur maksimum: 9 ton

Pesawat ini mampu mencegat dan menghancurkan segala sasaran, mulai dari satelit terbang rendah hingga rudal jelajah. Sekelompok pesawat pencegat MiG-31 dapat menguasai sebagian besar ruang udara dengan mengarahkan pesawat tempur kepada sasaran serta misil antipesawat berbasis darat.

MiG-31 dijuluki “radar terbang” oleh para pilot karena kemampuan avionikanya yang unik. Pesawat ini memiliki sistem kendali “barrier” di pangkalannya dan dilengkapi dengan antena dengan susunan berfase pertama (PPA) di dunia. PPA berbeda dari radar klasik karena bisa menggerakkan sorotan di antena tetap, menghasilkan sejumlah sinar yang diperlukan, serta melacak berbagai sasaran sekaligus.

Dalam sistem “Barrier-M” yang telah di-upgrade, yang mulai digunakan militer pada 2008, rentang deteksi maksimum sasaran udara telah ditingkatkan menjadi 320 km.

“Barrier” ini dapat mendeteksi 24 obyek pada jarak 200 kilometer. Komputer dalam pesawat MiG-31 dapat memilih empat sasaran paling berbahaya dan mengarahkan misil udara jarak jauh langsung pada sasaran tersebut. Jumlah maksimum target yang dapat diserang sekaligus adalah delapan. Empat sasaran lain dihancurkan dengan misil jarak sedang atau misil jarak dekat. Pesawat juga dapat mengirim koordinat sasaran ke pesawat tempur dan misil antipesawat di darat.

Para ahli mengatakan tidak akan ada sistem aviasi yang mirip dengan MiG-31 dalam sepuluh hingga 15 tahun ke depan. Semua pesawat tempur modern, kecuali untuk pesawat tempur generasi kelima, tidak sepenuhnya supersonik. Berbagai batasan dalam rancangan kerangka pesawat umumnya membuat waktu terbang supersoniknya terbatas hanya 5-15 menit. Sementara, durasi penerbangan supersonik MiG-31 hanya terbatas oleh pasokan bahan bakar. MiG-31 juga mampu menembus hambatan suara pada penerbangan datar dan naik, sementara mayoritas pesawat supersonik melewati kecepatan M=1 dengan sedikit menukik.

MiG-31M, Modifikasi MiG-31

MiG-31 mulai diproduksi pada 1981 di fasilitas Sokol di Gorky (sekarang Nizhny Novgorod). Pada akhir 1994, lebih dari 500 mesin jenis ini dibuat, namun kemudian diproduksi secara terbatas. Saat ini terdapat sekitar seratus pesawat MiG-31 yang beroperasi.

Modernisasi besar-besaran terhadap MiG-31 pada 1984 menghasilkan MiG-31M. Pesawat modifikasi ini dianggap sebagai temuan penerbangan militer terbaik Uni Soviet dan beberapa informasi tentang pesawat ini masih dirahasiakan sampai sekarang.

MiG-31M pada kecepatan maksimum dapat melampaui kecepatan pesawat serupa lain di dunia, dengan selisih setidaknya 500 kilometer/jam. Pada Agustus 1995, pesawat ini tampil dalam MAKS-95 Air Show di Zhukovsky dan menjadi sensasional. Tetapi, MiG-31M tidak sempat diproduksi massal.

Helikopter RACHEL Siap Mengulang Kesuksesan Mi-8

Namun demikian, di fasilitas Sokol dan di fasilitas perbaikan pesawat, masih ada kapasitas produksi, staf dan dokumentasi yang diperlukan untuk menciptakan kembali pesawat tersebut. Menurut perhitungan ahli penerbangan, hal tersebut akan mengurangi sepertiga biaya produksi untuk merestorasi pesawat yang sangat menjanjikan itu, untuk keperluan perlindungan perbatasan ruang udara Rusia
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Italian Navy Test Fires Vulcano Ballistic Extended Range Projectiles

Oto Melara has conducted firing tests of the Ballistic Extended Range Vulcano 127 projectile designed for the 127/46 gun mounted on the Italian FREMM and German F125 frigates. Photo: Oto Melara/

On 6 March 2014, the Italian Navy carried out a number of firing trials on board the frigate Bersagliere to test the 127/54 C gun equipped with Vulcano-Kit (V-kit). The firing trials, conducted with 127 Vulcano Ballistic Extended Range (BER) ammunition, proved to be successful, with projectiles achieving a range of over 38 km. The field of fire was limited to 40 km for security reasons.

Vulcano 127 has already performed firing testing verifying the enhanced ballistic characteristics of the projectile. The one in the photo is the 127mm Guided Long Range projectile, showing the canard section and GPS/INS guidance and advanced multi-mode fuse section installed in the nose. Photo: Oto Melara

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BMD-4M Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Russia

The BMD-4M is a new generation amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) manufactured by Kurganmashzavod JSC, for the Russian Army. The vehicle will provide improved protection and support for the airborne troops.

The BMD-4M vehicle will undergo a complex test as per an agreement signed by Russia's General Tank-Automation Command of the Ministry of Defence and airborne troops (VDV) in 2008. Serial manufacture is expected to commence in 2015 based on the test results.

The IFV was demonstrated in March 2008 and exhibited during the Russia Arms Expo (RAE) in September 2013. The Russian Ministry of Defence planned to deploy the vehicles with its VDV in December 2012.

BMD-4M IFV design and features

The BMD-4M armoured infantry fighting vehicle was developed by Volgograd Tractor Plant and the Tula KBP Instrument Design Bureau. It is the modernised variant of the BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle. The upgraded IFV vehicle has a length of 6m, width of 3.15m and height of 2.7m. The combat weight of the vehicle is 13.5t.

The new IFV features more spacious hull compared to its predecessor. The manned compartment accommodates up to two crew and six infantrymen. The driver is seated in the front and the engine is placed at the rear part of the hull.

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BVP M-80 / M-80A Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Serbia

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BVP M-80 and M-80A are light-armoured tracked amphibious vehicles.

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A satellite navigation system is incorporated to provide geographic location details. The vehicle also features a digital computer control system.

Armament and protection of BMD-4M IFV

The airborne assault vehicle is armed with a 100mm 2A70 semi-automatic gun / missile launcher weighing 332kg.

The 2A70 gun is coupled to a highly reliable 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon mounted on the turret. It can fire GSh-6-30 rounds with a muzzle velocity of 960m/s. The rate of fire is more than 300 rounds per minute. The launcher can fire either 3UOF17 or 3UOF19 rounds at a rate of ten rounds a minute. Its muzzle velocity ranges from 250m/s to 355m/s.

The secondary armament of the vehicle is a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun which can fire Arkan Tandem 9M117M1 and Konkurs anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems.

The turret is also equipped with three smoke grenade dischargers each side at the front.

The vehicle is equipped with bullet proof armour protection. The all-welded aluminium chassis and turret protect the crew and infantrymen from small arms fire.

Fire control

The weapon system is integrated with an improved fire control equipment to provide the IFV with the ability to track and engage the targets while on the move. The fire control system incorporates a gunner's sight to identify the targets during both day and night, a commander's panoramic TV-aimed sight and an automatic target tracker.

Engine and mobility

The BMD-4M is powered by a multi-fuel, type UTD-29 diesel engine that produces a power of 500hp.

"The turret is also equipped with three smoke grenade dischargers each side at the front."

The armoured vehicle offers superior mobility in all terrains, thanks to increased track length and reduced ground pressure. It can accomplish a speed of 69.4km/h on highways and 10km/h afloat. It has a cruising range of 500km on highways. The ground clearance ranges from 130mm to 530mm.

An adjustable hydro-pneumatic suspension system connects the vehicle to six dual rubber-tyred wheels.

The running gear and the chassis control system of the upgraded vehicle include more power-plant installation units. The chassis is also incorporated with control linkages, pumping devices and water jet propellers used in BMP-3 amphibious IFV.

The BMD-4M can be dropped from airplane by use of a parachute platform. It can also drive through the water.

BMD-4M is the modernised variant of BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle.

The upgraded IFV offers superior mobility in all terrains.

The BMD-4M IFV can accommodate two crew and six infantrymen.

The BMD-4M IFV was exhibited during the Russia Arms Expo (RAE) in September 2013.

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Type 10 (TK-X) Main Battle Tank (MBT), Japan

Type 10 (TK-X) is an advanced fourth-generation main battle tank (MBT) manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). The MBT can be deployed in a wide range of missions including anti-tank warfare, mobile strikes, special operations force attacks and other contingencies.

The Japanese Ministry of Defence placed an order with the main contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for up to 13 Type-10 MBTs in 2010. The tanks entered into service with Japan in 2012.

Development of the Type 10 MBT

The development of the Type 10 MBT was initiated by the Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in 2002. A prototype of the tank was completed in 2006. Running tests were conducted through 2007 and 2008, and shooting and networking trials were performed thereafter. TRDI completed the development in 2009 and started producing the tanks in 2010.

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TK1A1 Main Battle Tank, South Korea

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Rotem (part of the Hyundai group) has developed the K1 series of vehicles, which includes the K1A1 120mm main battle tank, the K1105 mm main battle tank, K1 ARV armoured recovery vehicle, and the K1 AVLB armoured vehicle launch bridge.

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Type 10 MBT design and features

The Type 10 MBT is the replacement of the Type 74 and Type 90 MBTs, which are in service with the JGSDF. It features significant enhancements in manoeuvrability, protection, fire power and performance becoming one of the world's top 10 main battle tanks.

The tank accommodates a crew of three including commander, gunner and driver. It has a length of 9.4m, width of 3.2m and height 2.3m. The gross weight of the tank is 44t and the combat weight of 48t. The MBT can be transported by trains and trucks.

Armament and protection of Type 10 tank

The Type 10 MBT is equipped with a turret fitted with an automatic loading system. The turret can be rotated through 360° in traverse to determine the enemy targets. It is armed with a 120mm L44 smooth-bore gun, which is licence-built by Japan Steel Works.

The secondary armament of the Type 10 MBT consists of a M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a Type 74 7.62mm co-axial machine gun. The turret is also fitted with smoke grenade launchers.

The tank's hull is equipped with nano-crystal steel, fourth generation modular ceramic composite armour for protection against rocket propelled grenade (RPG) rounds, HEAT projectiles, and anti-tank missiles. The add-on modules can be easily removed and installed to alter the protection levels.

It is also fitted with a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system and automatic fire suppression systems.

Observation and fire control of the Japanese main battle tank

The Type 10 tank is equipped with an enhanced fire control system to engage stationary and moving targets. The tank also fitted with a laser range finder.

The commander's station is fitted with a panoramic sight, mounted on the right of the turret. It provides day / night observation and target identification.

"It is also fitted with a nuclear, biological and chemical protection system and automatic fire suppression systems."

The MBT is fitted with a digital battlefield management system (BMS) that provides increased situational awareness by displaying the required information. The tank also boasts of advanced sensor systems and sophisticated C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) equipment, which allows the tank to communicate and share information with other tanks in the GSDF network.

The intelligence C4I system also enables the MBT to work together with the troops in the infantry's outdoor computer network, Regiment Command Control System (ReCS) during integrated combat operations.

Type 10 MBT engine and mobility

The Type 10 tank is powered by water-cooled, four-cycle, eight-cylinder diesel engines coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox. The engine generates a power of 1,200hp.

The tank is equipped with hydro pneumatic active suspension and offers superior mobility. It can accomplish a speed of about 70km/h forward as well as reverse. It has an operational range of about 440km.

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Israel Launches OFEQ 10 Spy Satellite

A Shavit satellite launcher lifts off from the Palmachim test range south of Tel Aviv April 9, 2014, carrying the OFEQ 10 satellite, the eights satellite in the OFEQ family, built by IAI MBT Space division. Photo: IMOD

The Israeli spy satellite Ofeq 10 was launched this evening, (April 9th 2014, 20:15 GMT) from the Palmachim Air Force Base on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Once the satellite enters orbit around the Earth, it will undergo several tests to confirm its serviceability and accurate performance. Few hours later the satellite reached its intended orbit and communicated with IAI’s ground control sending telemetry and images. Further tests are underway before the satellite begins its operationalservice. The deployment was completed with minimal manoeuvring, leaving more fuel for extended life cycle, IAI sources told Defense-Update.

The new satellite is the third Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite built by IAI MBT Space Division and Elta Systems. The first two examples of this satellite were launched on the Indian PSLV rockets. OFEQ 10 carries a more advanced version of the EL/M-2070 SAR payload, introducing evolutionary enhancements over the first two models.

For the OFEQ satellites Israel have utilized an indigenously developed three stages launcher called ‘Shavit’ which, according to foreign sources, is based on a ballistic missile system developed in Israel since the late 1960s, the missile itself was based on a French missile design. The current configuration of Shavit is sufficient to lift the weight of the TECSAR’s 295 kg, using the three solid fuel rocket stages and a liquid-propelled upper stage motor. According to IAI, since 1988 Shavit successfully launched several satellites, with maximum Weight of 290 kg (Westward). The advanced variant of the SHAVIT Launcher is configured to increase lift capability to 350 kg (Westward) which will be required to lift the OPSAT 3000, expected to weigh about 400 kg. Israel is determined

“Ofek 10″ is an earth-observing remote-sensing satellite that employs SAR technology to deliver advanced, high-resolution imagery, capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions.

As its predecessor OFEQ 8, the Ofeq 10 uses the new bus system developed by IAI MBT Space division for mini-satellites. The same platform is also being used for the new OPSAT 3000 imaging satellite being built for the Italian government. It is also likely that the forthcoming OFEQ 11 will also follow this configuration, as well as the future EROS-C (yet to be ordered).

Israel currently has three operational remote sensing satellites in heliosynchronous low-earth orbit (LEO) – OFEQ 7, OFEQ 9 and TECSAR I radar imaging satellite. In addition, two additional commercial satellites are deployed in polar orbits – EROS A and EROS B. These two satellites are believed to be similar to the OFEQ 7 class.

The OFEQ program is managed by the Defense Research and Development Directorate (DR&DD) a the Israel’s Ministry of Defense. IAI is the satellite developer and system integrator. The main payload SAR is developed by IAI’s Elta Systems division and launch vehicle is provided by IAI’s MLM, part of IAI’s Space division. Other companies taking part in the development and production of the launcher and satellite include Rafael, Spectralink from Elbit Systems, Rokar, and Israel Military Industries. Several branches of the Israel Defense Forces were also involved including the Intelligence Branch and the Air Force.

The TECSAR SAR satellite and its modes of operations.

(defense-update)

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Helikopter Tempur Sikorsy

Sikorsky S-97 Raide

Sikorsky S-97 Raider adalah rancangan helikopter tempur berkecepatan tinggi yang dikembangkan oleh
Sikorsky Aircraft dan menurut rencana akan ditawarkan sebagai helikopter serang kepada Angkatan Darat AS dan kepada peminat lainnya.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider secara resmi diluncurkan pertama kali pada 20 Oktober 2010. Diharapkan helikopter ini bisa memenuhi kebutuhan Angkatan Darat AS yang akan menggantikan armada helikopter Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

S-97 Raider bisa dioperasikan pada operasi militer khusus. Selain versi militer, helikopter ini juga tersedia dalam versi sipil.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider dikembangkan dari desain Sikorsky X2 dan akan menggunakan mesin turboshaft General Electric T700.

Secara khusus, sebuah mesin turbin yang lebih kuat sedang dikembangkan untuk helikopter
tempur ini agar memiliki kecepatan jelajah diatas 200 knot.

S-97 menggunakan rotor koaksial serta baling-baling pendorong yang terletak di belakang. Kendaraan udara ini dirancang untuk dapat membawa hingga 6 penumpang, tidak termasuk awak helikopter.

Spesifikasi Helikopter Tempur Sikorsky S-97 Raider
Karakteristik Umum:
Awak : 2
Kapasitas Penumpang : 6 parjurit bersenjata lengkap
Panjang : 11 m
Berat Kotor : 4.057 kg
Berat Maksimum Lepas-Landas : 4.990 kg
Diameter Rotor Utama : 10 m
Kinerja:
Kecepatan Jelajah : 407 km.jam (253 mph, 220 knot)
Kecepatan Maksimal : 444 km.jam (276 mph, 240
knot)
Jarak Jangkau : 570 km
Lama Operasional : 2 jam 40 menit
Batas Maksimum Ketinggian Penerbangan : 3.048 m
Persenjataan:
1 unit meriam mesin kaliber .50 kapasitas 500 peluru
7 poda roket — with Ayasg Vanual Csf and Muhlis Kasim. (7 photos)

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New ‘Samson’ C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Lands in Israel

The Israel Air Force received today the first of six new C-130J delivered to Israel by the US Government. Built by Lockheed Martin, the new aircraft tail-marked 661 is joining the 103 squadron, one of two units operating the C-130 from Nevatim. On its arrival to its new home the aircraft dubbed ‘Samson’ in Hebrew, was escorted by other members operating from the same base, the C-130H ‘Karnaf’, SIGINT Gulfstream G550 ‘Shavit’ and Boeing 720 aerial refuelling aircraft ‘Reem’. Photo: IDF

In a ceremony held today at the Nevatim Israel Air Force base, the new C-130J Super Hercules military aircraft landed in Israel. The new type is designated ‘Samson’ by the Israel Air and Space Force (IASF). This is the first ‘Samson’ C-130JSuper Hercules aircraft to join the newly established ‘Samson’ squadron. Five more are scheduled to arrive in the coming years. The three currently being completed or under production will be delivered in July 2014 and over the course of 2015 and 2016. The goal is to provide the IASF with nine such aircraft, augmenting and later replacing the fleet of C-130H currently in service.

“we will be able to operate faster, in all weather conditions, in greater distance, in lower altitude and in maximum discretion”

The new C-130J Super Hercules has joined the 103 Squadron (Elephants) at the IAF base of Nevatim. The squadron is already operating C-130Hs, part of which will also be upgraded by local contractors, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems. In the photo IASF Commander in Chief Maj. General Amir Eshel, Chief of staff Lt. General Benni Gantz and defense minister Lt. General (ret) Moshe Yaalon are inspecting the new emblem on the tail of the Samson. Photo: IDF

The new transport aircraft enhances theIASF’s long-range transport and assault capabilities, with missions including airborne cargo delivery, transportation of paratroops and commandos, aerial refueling for helicopters and planes, electronic warfare, maritime patrol and special operations.

According to the Israel Defense Force (IDF) Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin (Benny) Gantz, The new aircraft gives the IDF extended operational flexibility and strengthens our long range capabilities, making us more accurate and powerful than ever. The progressive systems the “Samson” aircraft is equipped with will allow us to execute more complex operations than in the past – “we will be able to operate faster, in all weather conditions, in greater distance, in lower altitude and in maximum discretion.” Gantz said.

Over the past year, squadron members have trained in Italy and in the United States in order to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the aircraft and its capabilities. The new aircraft is joining the 103 Squadron already operating the C-130H from Nevatim.

The delivery of the first C-130J is a first milestone in the modernization of the Israel Air Force, Under the current plan the IASF is expecting deliveries of 30 Alenia Aermacchi M346 advanced trainers from Italy over the next two years, six US built Bell-Boeing V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft will be supplied in 2016 and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters built by Lockheed Martin. The first of the 19 aircraft ordered is expected to arrive in Israel in 2017.

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Improved RGP Designs are Challenge Bar Armor Manufacturers

Since their introduction in operational service in 1961 the Rocket Propelled Grenade Mk 7 (RPG-7) over nine million RPGs have been produced, and hundreds of thousands fired in combat in war zones around the world.

Although RPG-7s proved their battle effectiveness in every conflict since the 1970s, NATO and coalition forces were surprised and ill prepared when they first encountered RPGs in Iraq in 2004. At the time these weapons were used primarily against heavy armored fighting vehicles, while Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were directed at the less protected or unprotected tactical vehicles.

RPG-7, launcher and rocket

Realizing the gravity of this evolving threat, coalition forces began to protect their armored vehicles with add-on armor solutions designed to defeat RPGs. Since the PG-7VL High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead penetrates over 500 mm of steel armor with its shaped charge hitting the target, the only affordable solution was to eliminate the threat from hitting its target. Reactive add-on armor was an effective countermeasure applied to the heavier armored vehicles. Less protected vehicles were encapsulated with bar-armor cages.

The bar-armor cage is preventing RPGs from detonating theirshaped charge close to the vehicle’s armor, thus penetrating the armor and causing severe internal damage. The cages are assembled from steel or aluminum bars. Bars are spaced in a form that would ‘trap’ the incoming warhead.

The operating mechanism of bar armor is simple and effective. As the RPG flies through the cage the warhead is smashed between two bars, deforming the conductive layers that form the ogive (cone) holding the piezoelectric precursor and covering the explosive charge. As the external liner bends in, it would touch the inner liner, causing a short circuit that disrupts the explosive triggering chain.

This image depicts the classical bar armor RPG-7 defeat mechanism.

The first-generation bar armor made of steel or aluminum were relatively heavy, weighing about 20-30 kg/square meter. Follow-on solutions that included counter-RPG net came in much lighter weight but suffered from the same lower efficiency with the same neutralization mechanism. Although the method provided reasonable protection, it did not provide conclusive results. In fact, it is likely that every second RPGs would ‘slip away’ and defeat the bar armor protection, either with full hollow charge penetration of the shaped charge, or while having a secondary explosion and piercing the platform hull (without forming the plasma jet). Such risk is especially evident on the less protected parts of the armored vehicles. Ceilings are often composed of thin armor and are rarely protected by bar armor cages or nets; the windshield and side windows are also vulnerable to secondary explosions.

Hence, this RPG protection is referred to as ‘statistical protection’, since the efficiency of the armor is not conclusive, but dependent on where and how each RPG will hit. Typical effectiveness of bar armor in defeating various RPG-7 warheads depends on the type of warhead (different manufacturers produce HEAT warhead diameters from 70 to 90mm). Hence, statistical protection ranges from 50 up to 70 percent for first and second generation.

In recent years, new types of bar armor, net protection systems and various hybrid systems were introduced and applied to most of the vehicles deployed in Afghanistan. More recently, French vehicles operating in Mali and elsewhere in Africa are also equipped with counter-RPG protection, with high level of performance, attributed to the latest, most advanced non-bar type solutions.

The reactive armor, first introduced by the Israeli army in the first Lebanon war in 1982 proved highly effective against RPGs and anti-tank missiles, driving the development of tandem warheads. The RPG-7 received such a warhead, designated PG-7VR in 1988. These warheads were first employed against US armor in Iraq in 2004.

Insurgents, becoming aware of the bar armor and its weaknesses, have employed several methods to defeat bar armor, among them rudimentary extensions of the impact sensor (piezoelectric trigger located at the tip of the round). These extensions would cause the fuse to activate before the ogive is smashed by the armor, thus activating the shaped charge ahead of the armor.

While passive RPG armor technology is improving, particularly by reducing weight and improving the theoretical statistical protection, more progress on the side of the RPGs would render the systems relying on the ‘smashing‘ totally ineffective.

In recent years, RPG manufacturers have also introduced enhancements to overcome common bar armor techniques and nets technology. “RPG manufacturers are applying protective layers at the base of the cone, thus avoiding potential short-circuits caused by deformation,” an armor expert told Defense-Update. Challenged by these improved RPGs, armor designers are now seeking to find alternative solutions by employing mechanisms that would guarantee the defeat of the warhead regardless of the type of RPG they are encountering.

According to our sources, since 2012 some RPG manufacturers have added a durable plastic sheet between the two conductive layers forming the ogive. This sheet prevents the two layers from short circuiting in case they are smashed, thus rendering the ogive operational even after it has hit a bar or passed through a net. The damaged RPG will continue flying and will hit the vehicle, initiating the shaped charge on contact. “In fact, as it will hit at an angle, the behind armor effect could be increased, as the spall is distributed at a larger lethal cone, hitting more of the vehicle occupants,” the expert warned. “We are going to see more and more of these in the battlefield.”

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Usulan Pengganti F-5 Bertambah dengan Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon diusulkan oleh PT DI karena alasan kemudahan transfer teknologi (photo : Saeed Ezadi)

JAKARTA - Kementerian Pertahanan dan TNI Angkatan Udara masih mengkaji calon pengganti pesawat tempur F-5 Tiger yang akan dikandangkan. Kepala Badan Perencanaan Pertahanan Kementerian Pertahanan, Laksamana Muda Rachmad Lubis, mengatakan empat pesawat generasi 4,5 atau mendekati kemampuan pesawat siluman atau antiradar yang dilirik adalah Sukhoi Su-35 buatan Rusia, SAAB JAS Gripen produksi Swedia, Dassault Rafale dari Prancis, serta Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet bikinan Amerika.

"Masih kami pertimbangkan dari sisi anggaran. Kami mempelajari yang paling menguntungkan pemerintah," kata Rachmad kepada Tempo di kantornya, Rabu pekan lalu. Rachmad belum bisa memastikan jumlah anggaran untuk membeli pesawat baru.

Sumber Tempo di Kementerian Pertahanan mengatakan sebenarnya ada usulan baru pengganti F-5 Tiger. Yaitu Eurofighter Typhoon yang diproduksi bersama oleh Inggris, Spanyol, Jerman, dan Italia. Usul pembelian Typhoon diajukan oleh PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

Menurut sumber ini, PT DI beralasan para produsen Typhoon lebih mau berbagi ilmu atau transfer teknologi. Bahkan, sangat mungkin PT DI diberi lisensi memproduksi beberapa suku cadang. "Kalau pesawat buatan Amerika dan Rusia tak ada transfer teknologi," kata si sumber. Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Industri Strategis, pembelian alat utama sistem persenjataan dari luar negeri harus disertai dengan alih teknologi.

Direktur Teknologi Penerbangan PT DI Andi Alisjahbana tak mau berkomentar tentang usulan perusahaannya. Dia hanya mengatakan pengadaan persenjataan sebaiknya tak hanya melihat kecanggihannya. "Tapi diperhatikan pula kesediaan negara pembuat untuk membagi teknologi dengan industri dalam negeri," katanya.

Kepala Dinas Penerangan TNI Angkatan Udara Marsekal Pertama Hadi Tjahjanto menanggapi positif usulan Typhoon sebagai pengganti F-5 Tiger. Musababnya, Typhoon punya kemampuan relatif sama dengan calon pengganti lainnya.

Hadi juga menilai pembelian Typhoon bakal menambah varian pesawat tempur Angkatan Udara. "Tapi keputusan pembeliannya berada di Kementerian Pertahanan." Sejumlah pilot tempur yang ditemui Tempo justru menilai pemerintah seharusnya membeli Sukhoi Su-35. Pesawat ini dianggap superior di udara dan menimbulkan efek gentar bagi negara tetangga.

(Tempo)

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